Sad news. The one and only Jane Russell (1921 - 2011) has died at the age of 89. I remember her most playing opposite the shiny blondness of Marilyn Monroe in GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953). But also in SON OF PALEFACE (1952) with Bob Hope. Over the years she starred in several dark and moody films noir with Robert Mitchum, Jeff Chandler and other hunks of the era.
Never the best actress, she still had a magical physical presence. She could hold her own with anyone and often outshined her co-stars. She wasn't classically beautiful, but the camera just loved her. She also always seemed to have the look of a good-humored dame about her. Despite her offbeat beauty, it wasn't hard for women to like her.
In GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, obviously a film tailored for Monroe, Jane looked perfectly comfortable playing second banana. (Whether in reality she was or was not, I don't know. But on film I never saw any friction or undercurrent of resentment.) Jane always looked comfortable in her own skin.
R.I.P Jane.
Thanks to the Daily Beast for the heads-up.
I hadn't heard this! She really did own the camera.
ReplyDeleteSad news, but she was quite a star. I must look for some of her movies, including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," and any old noir films, which I think I missed.
ReplyDeleteJust a question: Will there be an Oscars' review here, especially of the fashion--the most important aspect surely.
Lisa: She was a real Presence. I always liked that she never seemed to take anything too seriously.
ReplyDeletekathy: She was a very 'down to earth' star, I think. Never believed or went along with all the hype. I liked her. The only noir title I remember is MACAO with, I think, Robert Mitchum or Jeff Chandler. But I know she did several nor films.
ReplyDeleteKathy: Didn't even think of it this year. I must not be in the mood. Haven't been feeling too terrific lately, so that's soured my mood a bit. But I'm headed to the library today - about ten books I requested came in. I'll list themn later. That'll cheer me up.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! That poster for The Outlaw is such an iconic image (never cared for the movie itself however). And I love the pics of Jane with Hope and Mitchum!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I could never stomach THE OUTLAW. Remember the dweeb who played Billy the Kid? Yegads!
ReplyDeleteThere's an interview around from years ago. I read it once but can't remember where. Jane had some really interesting stuff to say about the film and Howard Hughes. She just never cared all that much for the hoopla. She was not a 'hoopla' kind of gal.
I liked Jane Russell a lot. Used to see her movies in the theater when I was a girl. She always looked like she was having a great time.
Just wanted to add this bit: Both my father and my mother died at the age of 89 or close enough as makes no difference. (Not together, my father died first. Then my mom a few years later.) 89 is ripe old age to live to. A good long life. I hope Jane had a good one too.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt and uncle lived to 89. It's a good lifetime. My maternal grandmother--who worked for the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, and luckily, was sick and didn't go to work on the day of the fire, though she lost young friends--lived to be 98. My mother is 93 1/2. Her family had longevity.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I found a noir film with Jane Russell and Robert Mitchum, not Macao, at the library and will see that one.
Thanks on these classic movies ideas.
Wow, Kathy, your grandmother had a fortunate escape. Fate works in mysterious ways, that's for sure. The funny thing about my father is, he was a lifelong smoker! And still made it to 89. The doctor said if he hadn't smoked, he could have gone on to 100 - his blood pressure was that good. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteStill, 89 isn't bad. Long life is good as long as you have reasonably good health, I'm thinking.
Jane made two films with Mitchum, I think. Both good. They liked each other and it shows.
Loved her. She was a gorgeous woman and a great actress.
ReplyDeleteRyan: Yes, she was pretty special. A gorgeous woman, is right. They wouldn't know what to make of her in Hollywood today, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI saw the article on this while at the airport on Tuesday. It's so sad. Vintage Hollywood is slowly ending with each of these incredible people passing away. A sad day.
ReplyDeleteCAABC: Yes, that's my whole youth slowly ebbing away. I remember all theses stars from when I saw their movies in theaters, not just on tv. I know there won't ever be anything like them again. Sad day, for sure.
ReplyDelete